'Revenge' recap: Duress

CaptionNew tube: The fall shows we're willing to give a shot

NBC

When perusing the coming new fall television offerings, you're faced with a grim reality: Most of them look awful. Shocker, we know. But when you've got highlights that include NBC's dreadful "Animal Practice" (which should be called "Animal and Human Abuse") and a way-too-soon "Sex and the...

When perusing the coming new fall television offerings, you're faced with a grim reality: Most of them look awful. Shocker, we know. But when you've got highlights that include NBC's dreadful "Animal Practice" (which should be called "Animal and Human Abuse") and a way-too-soon "Sex and the... (NBC)

The best reviewed of the new TV pack, and there are two words to explain that: Connie Britton. Honestly, we'd watch anything Mrs. Taylor is in. And the premise here is intriguing: An aging country singer (Britton plays Rayne James, which we're sure has nothing to do with a certain person named...

The best reviewed of the new TV pack, and there are two words to explain that: Connie Britton. Honestly, we'd watch anything Mrs. Taylor is in. And the premise here is intriguing: An aging country singer (Britton plays Rayne James, which we're sure has nothing to do with a certain person named... (ABC)

This modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes could have easily been another CBS crime procedural (ask your grandparents about them), but is instead one of the most promising new dramas, thanks to the inclusion of the undervalued Jonny Lee Miller (we still miss his brilliant-weird Eli Stone) as the...

This modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes could have easily been another CBS crime procedural (ask your grandparents about them), but is instead one of the most promising new dramas, thanks to the inclusion of the undervalued Jonny Lee Miller (we still miss his brilliant-weird Eli Stone) as the... (CBS)

The first episode's a bit uneven, and the whole not-exactly-novel premise (an OB/GYN deals with work and life issues) really depends on whether you like Mindy Kaling's brand of quirky/awkward/dorky humor. For the record, we do, and we're excited to see "The Office" star/scribe get her own...

The first episode's a bit uneven, and the whole not-exactly-novel premise (an OB/GYN deals with work and life issues) really depends on whether you like Mindy Kaling's brand of quirky/awkward/dorky humor. For the record, we do, and we're excited to see "The Office" star/scribe get her own... (NBC)

NBC is clearly banking on this comedy from "Glee's" Ryan Murphy; the network has aired the pilot a few times, and its second episode aired on Sept. 11. And we like (most of) it. The interplay is fun between stars Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells, playing a couple who decide to have a baby via...

NBC is clearly banking on this comedy from "Glee's" Ryan Murphy; the network has aired the pilot a few times, and its second episode aired on Sept. 11. And we like (most of) it. The interplay is fun between stars Justin Bartha and Andrew Rannells, playing a couple who decide to have a baby via... (NBC)

After a chilly month off,"Revenge"returned this week, quickly heated things up -- and brought along a new weekly recap! Hard to believe that a few months ago I scoffed at the previews for "Revenge," but four months later I plan my Wednesday evenings around it. We’ve suffered through four weeks of withdrawal, and "Revenge" delivered with what I think was the best episode yet ...

From the first episode I think most of us can agree that there was something off about Tyler, but it was hard to determine what: Was it his drive to work for Grayson Enterprise, his confusing sexual orientation, his questionable family history or his possible-pill popping ways? In fact, it was none of these! Turns out that Tyler has some sort of mental illness and has not been properly taking his antipsychotic medicines, and this episode we watched him completely unravel in front of our eyes. I don’t think I’ve seen a breakdown like this since Kelly Bensimon on the New York Housewives’ island get away.

In the midst of this breakdown a few other storylines managed to creep in; Amanda is becoming jealous of the chemistry between Emily and Jack, which makes me wonder what IS happening between them. Are they the Ross and Rachel of our generation? Ashley and Nolan walk away arm-in-injured-arm at the end of the episode (have these two ever spoken?). Is Nolan next on Ashley’s desperate attempt to climb the social ladder? If reality television has taught us anything, it’s that a woman who desperately wants to marry rich will continually lower her standards until she is able to. The war over Charlotte Grayson heats up between Victoria and Conrad, as Conrad embraces Declan and Victoria ... giggles with Daniel. Better luck winning that war next week, Victoria!

And now, a few awards:

Most Unrealistic Line Uttered: “Why don’t we do something low key?” -- Emily about Daniel’s birthday. Nothing says low key like a decorated cabana on the beach!

Most Confusing Line: “I’ve been waiting for you all my life,” Jack to Amanda. They were 5 when they met and she was taken away. FIVE. This story line has confused me since the beginning and continued to do so tonight.

Best Birthday Gift: Victoria’s memory book for Daniel. She’s not even trying to hide her war with Emily anymore.

Most Unrealistic in the Real World but Totally Realistic in the Hamptons Occurrence: The 24 hour turnaround from party mention to party happening. You know that even if they’d had Victoria’s 200-person soiree it would still have been a quick turn around.

Best Unspoken Line: “Please don’t shoot my children [but I despise everyone else here, so take the rest of them, I’ll help]” -- Victoria to Tyler.

Most Unsurprising Apology: Emily to Nolan, since without his technological ways her plan would have failed long ago.

So now that this episode’s emotional roller coaster is complete, and everyone is safe and sound (with the exception of tender Nolan’s arm), let's discuss: How do we think Tyler’s mention of David Clarke will play out next week? How are the Graysons going to act toward Amanda? And how long will it take for Nolan to get that bodyguard back?

So "Dancing With the Stars" has finally succumbed to that reality-show milestone of putting together and "All-Star" edition. TV Lust recapper Amy Watts gives her take on how the returning dancers will do this season (premiering 8 p.m. Sept. 24).